More of Cash’s American Recordings to Be Released

Several of Johnny Cash’s final recordings with producer Rick Rubin will be released on the upcoming CD, American V: A Hundred Highways. In addition to his versions of Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind,” and other songs by Hank Williams, Rod McKuen and Bruce Springsteen, the album also features two originals — “Like the 309″ (the last song Cash wrote) and “I Came to Believe.” Cash and Rubin began recording American V in 2002, immediately after completing American IV: The Man Comes Around, which included “Hurt.” The sessions took place at Rubin’s Los Angeles studio and at Cash’s home and cabin near Nashville. Cash’s vocal performances were later supplemented with overdubs by several of his favorite musicians, including guitarist Mike Campbell and keyboardist Benmont Tench of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. “These songs are Johnny’s final statement,” Rubin said. “They are the truest reflection of the music that was central to his life at the time. This is the music that Johnny wanted us to hear.” The album, released by American Recordings through the Lost Highway label, has a July 4 street date.